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AquaKnox

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Contrary to what you might think, seafood is big business in the desert, especially at places like AquaKnox, which has its own selections flown in daily.

The restaurant lets you know from start to finish that they’re serious about underwater delicacies, from the lights bathing the whole space in aquatic blue hues to the water cascading down around the bottles in the wine wall.

Though the menu varies between Mediterranean and Asian influences, both treatments take full advantage of beautiful seafood sourced from around the world. The signature fish soup, much more than a solution for leftover scraps, is chock full of the choicest lobster, John Dory, mussels and clams in a fragrant and rich tomato saffron broth.

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Things to Know

• AquaKnox has a business-casual dress code, but just like many Las Vegas restaurants, the code isn’t strictly enforced. Some diners are coming in for a meal before heading out to explore Las Vegas nightlife dressed to the nines, other are coming in right off the golf course in shorts and polo shirts.

• The Las Vegas restaurant only serves its full menu come dinnertime (5:30 until 10 p.m. daily), but you can also sup here for lunch by sitting at the bar—it opens at noon and serves up a small selection of seafood until close.

• Reservations are highly recommended at this Four-Star eatery. Call the restaurant at 702-420-2541 to book your table, visit its website or, if you’re staying at The Venetian, simply ask the concierge to make you a reservation.

The Food

• Seafood is the highlight across the menu at AquaKnox. Appetizers include Maine lobster bisque and littleneck clam steamers, while the caviar section offers Naccarii sturgeon and Karat Golden Osetra caviars

• And if you want a tour of everything, opt for the seafood platter for two, which includes oysters on the half shell, prawns, Main lobster, royal red ceviche, mussels, Jonah crab and sake-ponzu oyster shooters — it’s more options than you’ll likely find at your local fish market, all in one dish.

• The centerpiece of the menu, the water entrées, include the signature John Dory fish, wild Barramundi, seared Maine scallops and fish soup. Each dish incorporates the freshest seafood, flown in daily from around the globe.

• On the land entrée side, you’ll have your choice of organic roasted Jidori chicken, prime rib, filet mignon or New York strip steak. While the land options are few, they are crowd-pleasers.

• Last, but certainly not least, are the desserts. Indulgent choices include a flourless chocolate cake and vanilla crème brûlée.

The Design

• AquaKnox flaunts high ceilings, clean lines and rich contrasts throughout its interior design. You’ll see cascades on one outside wall of the Las Vegas restaurant, as well as in its wine tower.

• The ocean theme continues with vertical and horizontal lines on the bar and walls, while strong geometric shapes like striped poles and square artwork offer more contrasts throughout the dining space.

• The Las Vegas restaurant is open for lunch on certain days, offering more natural light for its daytime meal; but at night, the restaurant glows with blue lighting to play up the sea motif.

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